When I was a student in Tokyo, one of my dorm mates invited me to stay at their home in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture — the host city of the annual Kite Festival. During the festival, kites the size of the facades of small buildings are hoisted up in the air by teams of local men. It’s a thrilling site to see, and I hope the we are able to recreate even just a small part of this wonderful Japanese cultural tradition at this year’s Nihongo Fiesta.

The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) and the SM Mall of Asia present a weekend of Filipino-Japanese fun and learning billed “The 2009 Nihongo Fiesta” on February 28 and March 1, at the SM Mall of Asia, Bay Boulevard, Pasay City. Everybody will have a chance to watch and participate in various activities such as the 11th Asian Cartoon Exhibition, the Japanese Edo Kite Festival, a Japanese traditional koto performance by Ms. Chieko Fukuda and the 36th Nihongo Speech Contest which includes a Quiz Bee portion. All activities are open to the public, free of charge.

— from the JFM website.

This event if organized by The Japan Foundation Manila and The Embassy of Japan in Manila, with the cooperation of SM Mall of Asia. For details or clarifications on the Nihongo Fiesta activities, please contact the Japan Foundation, Manila at the 12th Floor of the Pacific Star Bldg., Makati Avenue, Makati City (Telephone # 811-61-55 to 58 and Fax # 811-61-53).